How Big Business Crushed Portland’s Adored Lunch Haven

The owner of the building says, go away.

Rick's Lobby Cafe at 400 Congress Street (Post Office Square) in Portland, recently celebrated its 8th anniversary. That's when they got the email that the building owner was going in a new direction. That direction does not include a lunch spot with amazing sandwiches. Buh bye Rick.

Back in May, Rick and Molly announced that they may be a little off and not their cheery self. People who go to Rick's are devoted to not just the fantastic food, but to the sweet fun atmosphere that Rick has cultivated over the past eight years. Their customers are friends and some are practically family.

Building management gave them notice that they are going to be renovating the space that tiny little Rick's Lobby Cafe occupies. The investors, building owners, and partners no longer want to include a cafe or food establishment in this building, post-renovation.

Their lease is not being renewed. They are devastated, to say the least. They have loved doing what they do and the people that they do it for. From their Instagram,

Ricky has spent the last 8 years chatting with, sharing great music, and making amazing food for hundreds of different people every day. Molly has loved talking and laughing with some really incredible people that live, work and visit this area. From tourists who have found us thanks to Ricky’s stellar Google ratings, to our Press Hotel valet fam, our morning courier crew, incredible city employees, our postal worker cohorts, friends who work nearby and in the building — it’s truly been an honor to spend the last 8 years with you all here at Rick’s Lobby Cafe.

When I heard this news, I couldn't believe it. The worst part is what is replacing Rick's...a store for chandeliers. Chandeliers? You can't eat a friggin' chandelier!

Rick's Lobby Cafe has probably one month left in it before they pack it up and move on. No, they have no current plans to reopen. If you think it's tough to find an apartment, it's even harder to find an affordable little place to sell sandwiches and smoothies. Please go and visit in the next few weeks and let him know how great it's been having them as part of the landscape. Big corporate bullies win again.